How Music Shapes the Brain

Humans are musical animals. But why is this? Why does music have such a huge effect on us? And what can studying the brain tell us about these questions?

Join us for an evening of music and the mind. Accompanied by musicians from the New London Orchestra, neuroscientist Alan Watson will take you on a journey through the brain: you’ll hear about how sound is coded in the brain, and how our sense of pitch can sometimes deceive us.

Other musical questions will also be explored - for example why some of us are so good at recognising notes that we are said to have ‘perfect pitch’, while others are completely tone deaf.

Finally you’ll hear about the ‘Mozart effect’. Can musical training really make you or your children brighter, or is this just an urban myth? And we’ll try to answer the most important question - why is music such a fundamental part of being human? You’ll learn about all this and more, and get the chance to ask your own questions.

Make an occasion of it and enjoy a special two-course dinner + a glass of wine or beer for £13.50. Dinner is optional and the menu will include a vegetarian choice. Please inform reception if you would like dinner when you make your booking.

Event organised by:
The European Dana Alliance for the Brain

Speakers

Alan Watson, University of Cardiff
Musicians from the New London Orchestra
Facilitator: Quentin Cooper, presenter of BBC Material World